34^ TRAVELS through 



American nations do. This part of the world is 

 of fuch an extent, that it has not yet been pof- 

 fible to become acquainted with all the nations 

 in it, nor with its limits. 



In 1759, M. de Ma-rigni de Mandcvilk^^ an 

 officer of diftinclion, formed the defign, with 

 the confent of the governor of Louifiana^ of ma- 

 king new difcoveries towards the ifle of Barata- 

 ria^ of which we know the coafls but very im- 

 perfedlly : with this intent he made a general 

 map of the colony. This officer has difcovered 

 this unknown country at his own expence, with 

 indefatigable zeal, which characterizes a worthy 

 citizen, who is always occupied for the glory of 

 his prince, and the enlargement of his pofTef- 

 fions. 



I have endeavoured, in my preceding letters, 

 to give you an abridgment of the hiflory of the 

 country, from the time of its difcovery till now, 

 and an idea of the fituation of its commerce, and 

 likewife of every thing that feemed inftru6live 

 and amufing to me. I do not believe I have 

 omitted any thing material, I fliall now finiih 



our 



* See the Memoirs of this cfEcer, printed at Paris, by 

 Guillauffte Dcfpresy in the rue S. Jecques 1765. 



